We are inviting applications from voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations for six Disabled People and Carers Research Participation Pilots, part of the Cheshire and Merseyside Research Engagement Network (REN) programme and delivered through the BRIDGE Research Network.
These pilots support Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs), self-advocacy groups, carers’ and end of life organisations to test community-led approaches that increase confidence, trust and access to health and care research.
What the funding is for:
Each organisation will receive £4,000 to design and deliver activities that help people:
- Understand what research is and why it matters
- Feel safer and more confident engaging with research
- Access clear, supported routes into future research opportunities
Eligibility - Who can apply?
Organisations must be:
- Based in Cheshire and Merseyside
- A registered charity, social enterprise, co-operative, or an unincorporated voluntary or community organisation with an appropriate constitution
- Working with disabled people, carers, people with lived experience of end of life care, or their representatives
- Able to deliver the pilot activity within the required timescales
- Willing to share learning from the pilot with the wider VSNW and REN partnership, with support (for example through short written reflections, events, or communications)
What activities could include (examples):
Projects may include some or all of the following:
- Community conversations or workshops about research, delivered in accessible and trusted settings
- Creative, peer led or culturally relevant engagement approaches
- Supported sign up sessions to Be Part of Research
- One to one support for people with access, language or confidence barriers
- Gathering community insights on barriers, concerns and enablers to participation
- Creating simple guidance for researchers on how to work well with your community
Organisations are encouraged to shape activities in ways that work best for their communities.
About the process:
The application window will be open for four weeks.
Applications open: 29 December 2025
Applications close: 23 January 2026 at 12pm (midday)
Applications will be reviewed by a small panel made up of REN partners.
We aim to notify applicants of the panel’s initial decision within two weeks of the closing date. Successful organisations will receive a funding agreement and light touch reporting guidance.
All funded organisations will be asked to provide a short learning and impact summary at the end of the pilot period.
Contacts
Francesca McIntosh - Senior Research Engagement Coordinator, Voluntary Sector North West, francesca.mcintosh@vsnw.org.uk
Seonaid Beddows - Regional Community Engagement and Inclusion Manager, North West Regional Research Delivery Network, seonaid.beddows@nihr.ac.uk
If you would like to apply in an alternative format or need support to complete this form, please contact us.
